How to Play Guitar in the Key of G-Sharp/A-Flat

The key of G-sharp/A-flat is not a very common key in guitar-driven music. It can, however, be used to make a nice transition from the keys of G or F-sharp.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

The G-sharp/A-flat Chord

1. Review and memorize the names of the strings. Lowest to highest, they are E-A-D-G-B-E.
2. Lay your index finger firmly across all the strings on the fourth fret.
3. Place your middle finger on the fifth fret of the G string.
4. Place your pinky on the sixth fret of the D string.
5. Place your ring finger on the sixth fret of the A string.
6. Strum the chord downward, lowest strings toward the highest.

The C-sharp/D-flat, D-sharp/E-flat and E-sharp/F Minor Chords

7. Lay your index finger across the fourth fret, pressing down firmly on all of the strings to begin the C-sharp/D-flat chord.
8. Place your middle finger on the sixth fret of the D string.
9. Place your ring finger on the sixth fret of the G string.
10. Place your pinky on the sixth fret of the B string.
11. Strum the strings downward to play the C-sharp/D-flat chord. 
12. Lay your index finger across the sixth fret, pressing down firmly on all of the strings to begin the D-sharp/E-flat chord.
13. Place your middle finger on the eighth fret of the D string.
14. Place your ring finger on the eighth fret of the G string.
15. Place your pinky on the eighth fret of the B string.
16. Strum the strings downward to play the D-sharp/E-flat chord.
17. Lay your index finger across all the strings on the first fret firmly to begin the E-sharp/F Minor chord.
18. Place your pinky on the third fret of the D string.
19. Place your ring finger on the third fret of the A string.
20. Strum the strings downward to play the E-sharp/F Minor chord.

The Key of G-sharp/A-flat

21. Freely strum the sequence G-sharp/A-flat, C-sharp/D-flat, D-sharp/E-flat. Disregard tempo and meter for now.
22. Strum each chord four times repeating the sequence of G-sharp/A-flat, C-sharp/D-flat, D-sharp/E-flat.
23. Strum G-sharp/A-flat four times, C-sharp/D-flat two times, and D-sharp/E-flat two times and repeat.
24. Repeat Step 23 while keeping a steady tempo. Use a metronome if accessible.
25. Strum G-sharp/A-flat four times, C-sharp/D-flat two times, and D-sharp/E-flat four times.
26. Strum each chord two times.
27. Strum G-sharp/A-flat two times, C-sharp/D-flat two times, E-sharp/F Minor four times, and D-sharp/E-flat four times.
28. Experiment with your own variations and progressions.

Tips & Warnings

• It is very important to keep your index finger firmly against the fret board for all the chords in this key. All notes should sound out equally and without a buzzing sound.
• Instead of stretching three fingers out over the sixth fret, you can bend your ring finger across the sixth fret of the D, G, and B strings for the C-sharp/D-flat chord.
• Instead of stretching three fingers out over the eighth fret, you can bend your ring finger across the eighth fret of the D, G, and B strings for the D-sharp/E-flat chord.
• This key is very difficult to learn. Make sure you have plenty of experience playing barre chords before trying to master G-sharp/A-flat.